Inside COS Town Tidings Issue #008

🤣 Today’s Chuckle

🌞 Weather, still unseasonably warm!

🌄 Blodgett Open Space Expansion: Shaping a Nature Oasis in Colorado Springs!

💥 Explosions and Fire: Colorado Springs Auto Shop Incident Under Investigation!

🌻 Empathy Takes Flight: COS Introduces Hidden Disabilities Program! ✈️

📆 Upcoming Events - updated daily

🤶 Holiday Craft Fairs

🧘‍♀️ Mindful Moments: Incorporating Mini Meditation Breaks into Your Busy Day

❓ How did we do on this issue?

❓ What do you call a fake noodle?

🤣 An impasta! 🤣

Our hope is that we made you smile today…pass it on.

🌄 Blodgett Open Space Expansion: Shaping a Nature Oasis in Colorado Springs!

Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services held a community meeting to discuss the proposed expansion of Blodgett Open Space, a popular hiking area located off Woodman Road on the northwest side of Colorado Springs.

Over 150 attendees shared concerns about parking, security, and wildlife impact. The expansion plan includes more trails, larger parking lots, a new trailhead named Quarry Trailhead, and separate paths for bikers and hikers. Residents' opinions varied on additions like a dog area and para-glider landing spots. The draft master plan is expected to be finalized by December.

Click here for details about the proposal plan, map of the open space, and fact sheet on the park's website.

💥 Explosions and Fire: Colorado Springs Auto Shop Incident Under Investigation!

In southeastern Colorado Springs, firefighters bravely fought a fierce fire at an auto body shop, confronting thick black smoke and two loud explosions.

The incident occurred at a business on Weston Road, just off the Hancock Expressway, triggering a second alarm response. Hazmat crews were brought in due to concerns about hazardous materials, including gas, oil, and paint cans.

Approximately 50 personnel worked to control the fire, focusing on exterior efforts due to structural concerns, eventually extinguishing it by 6:40 p.m. While some cars outside the shop sustained damage, there were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

🌻 Empathy Takes Flight: COS Introduces Hidden Disabilities Program! ✈️ 

Colorado Springs Airport Launches Hidden Disabilities Program for Travelers

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) has introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, providing assistance to travelers with non-visible disabilities. This global initiative, now available at over 220 airports worldwide, allows passengers to discreetly indicate their need for extra help and understanding while navigating the airport.

Travelers with non-visible disabilities can request a Sunflower lanyard at the Airport’s Information Desk.

Examples of non visible disabilities

While some experience a disability that is visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent. They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties. They can also be respiratory as well as chronic health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.

The Sunflower lanyard serves as a signal for airport staff to offer additional support, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding.

Upcoming COS Area Events

• Oct 18, 2023, 6:30-8:30 PM - Improv Comedy Classes by The Stick Horses

• Oct 18, 2023, 7 PM - Wheel Of Doom - Comedy Show - FREE EVENT (Must be at least 18 yrs old to attend)

• Oct 20, 2023, 10 AM - 1 PM - Drive-Thru Job Fair @Diversu Health

• Oct 20-29, 2023 (every Fri-Sun in Oct); 10 AM - 3 PM: Venetucci Farm Pumpkin Fest

• Oct 21, 28, 2023; 9 AM-4 PM: Miners' Pumpkin Patch. 225 North Gate Blvd, COS

• Oct 20-22, 27-29 and 31, 2023; 4-8:30 PM: Boo at the Zoo 

• Sat. Oct 21, 2023; 12-4 PM (FREE): Pumpkins in the Park: Old Colorado City's Fall Festival is a friends & family MUST DO!

• Oct 21; 9 AM - 4 PM & 22; 10 AM - 3 PM: Holiday Craft & Gift Shop! at the Masonic Center, 1150 Panorama Dr, COS

• Oct 27, 2023; 3:30 PM: Young Scholars Academy Food trucks, costume contest and more.

• Oct 27, 2023; 5-7 PM: Stetson Elementary School: Fall Festival with STEM activities, StarLab, hot cocoa buffet petting zoo, food trucks and more.

• Oct 28, 2023; 4-6:45 PM: The Little Gym of Colorado Springs Halloween Maze & Trunk or Treat for kids up to 12 yrs old

• Nov 7, 2023; 4-6 PM: Children's Mindfulness, Bear Creek Nature Center ages 5-10 with parent. Registration required + fee

🧵🍂 Upcoming Holiday Craft Fairs 🤶🧶

• Oct. 22: Viking Fair, Bazaar and Brunch — 9 AM -3 PM., 719-351-3554, .

• Oct. 28-29: Front Range Maker's Market — 9 AM - 4 PM (Sat); 10 AM - 3 PM (Sun), Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, $5 for ages 13 and older;

• Nov. 1-5: Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild Fall Show and Sale — 4-7 PM Nov. 1; 9 AM -7 PM Nov. 2-4; 10 AM -2 p.m. Nov. 5

• Nov. 4-5: Chipita Park Association's Arts & Crafts Fair — 9 AM - 4 PM Nov. 4; 10 AM - 3 PM Nov. 5

• Nov. 4: African Marketplace — Noon - 4 PM, Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St.

• Nov. 10-12: Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show — 10 AM - 5 PM Nov. 10 and 12; 10 AM - 6 PM Nov. 11, Colorado Springs Event Center, $11.50, free for ages 13 and younger.

• Nov. 11: Antelope Ridge Holiday Bazaar and Craft Show — 9 AM - 2 PM, Antelope Ridge, 4001 Gray Fox Heights

• Nov. 18: Holiday Craft Show — 10 AM - 3 PM, Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain

Have an upcoming event you want us to share?

👉 Click here to submit your event for consideration 👈

🧘‍♀️ Mindful Moments: Incorporating Mini Meditation Breaks into Your Busy Day

In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of calm amidst a busy schedule is essential for our overall health and well-being. Incorporating mini meditation breaks into your day can have numerous benefits, including reduced stress, improved focus, and enhanced emotional well-being. Here are three simple examples of how you can incorporate mindfulness into your busy lifestyle:

1. Breathing Break: Find a quiet space, even if it's just for a few minutes. Sit comfortably with your feet on the ground and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, counting to four, and exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to six. Focus on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Repeat this deep breathing exercise for a few minutes, allowing yourself to unwind and let go of any tension.

2. Mindful Walk: Take a break from your desk and go for a mindful walk, even if it's just around the office or outside for a few minutes. As you walk, bring your attention to the sensations in your body, the sounds around you, and the sights you see. Engage your senses fully in the present moment, letting go of any distractions or worries. Enjoy the simple act of walking mindfully, feeling grounded and connected to the world around you.

3. Gratitude Pause: Set aside a moment each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath and silently acknowledging three things you appreciate in your life. It could be the support of loved ones, a moment of joy, or even the small pleasures like a warm cup of coffee. Allow yourself to truly feel the gratitude in your heart, cultivating a positive mindset and shifting your focus towards the good in your life.

Remember, these mini meditation breaks can be done anytime, anywhere, and they don't require a significant time commitment. By incorporating these simple practices into your busy life, you'll experience the benefits of reduced stress, improved focus, and a greater sense of well-being.

Feel free to experiment with different techniques and find what resonates with you. The key is to make these mindful moments a regular part of your routine, allowing yourself to recharge and find inner peace amidst the busyness of life.

**Information in this newsletter is NOT meant to diagnose or treat any condition nor is it medical advise. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your current lifestyle.

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